Download Previous Year Question Paper of CBSE Board Exam English Communicative Class 10th Summative Assessment II 2016
Time allowed: 3 Hours
Maximum marks: 70
General Instructions:
(i) The question paper is divided into three sections:
Section A: Reading 20 marks
Section B: Writing & Grammar 25 marks
Section C: Literature 25 marks
(ii) All questions are compulsory.
(iii) You may attempt any section at a time.
(iv) All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.
Section - A
(Reading) 20 marks
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 1x8=8
One of the greatest advances in modern technology has been the invention of computers. They are widely used in industries and in universities. Now there is hardly any sphere of human life where computers have not been pressed into service of man. We are heading fast towards the day when a computer will be as much part of man's daily life as a telephone or a calculator.
Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all branches of learning. They can solve the most complex mathematical problems or put thousands of unrelated facts in order. These machines can be put to varied uses. For instance, they can provide information on the best way to prevent traffic jams. This whole process by which machines can be used to work for us has been called 'automation'. In the future 'automation' may enable human beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today. The coming of automation is bound to have important social consequences.
Some years ago an expert on automation, Sir Leon Bagrit, pointed out that it was a mistake to believe that these machines could 'think'. There is no possibility that human beings will be "controlled by machines". Though computers are capable of learning from their mistakes and improving on their performance, they need detailed instructions from human beings to operate. They can never, as it were, lead independent lives or "rule the world" by making decisions of their own.
Sir Leon said that in future, computers would be developed which would be small enough to carry in the pocket. Ordinary people would then be able to use them to obtain valuable information. Computers could be plugged into a national network and be used like radios. For instance, people going on holiday could be informed about weather conditions. Car drivers can be given alternative routes when there are traffic jams. It will also be possible to make tiny translating machines. This will enable people who do not share a common language to talk to each other without any difficulty or to read foreign publications.
One of the greatest advances in modern technology has been the invention of computers. They are widely used in industries and in universities. Now there is hardly any sphere of human life where computers have not been pressed into service of man. We are heading fast towards the day when a computer will be as much part of man's daily life as a telephone or a calculator.
Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all branches of learning. They can solve the most complex mathematical problems or put thousands of unrelated facts in order. These machines can be put to varied uses. For instance, they can provide information on the best way to prevent traffic jams. This whole process by which machines can be used to work for us has been called 'automation'. In the future 'automation' may enable human beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today. The coming of automation is bound to have important social consequences.
Some years ago an expert on automation, Sir Leon Bagrit, pointed out that it was a mistake to believe that these machines could 'think'. There is no possibility that human beings will be "controlled by machines". Though computers are capable of learning from their mistakes and improving on their performance, they need detailed instructions from human beings to operate. They can never, as it were, lead independent lives or "rule the world" by making decisions of their own.
Sir Leon said that in future, computers would be developed which would be small enough to carry in the pocket. Ordinary people would then be able to use them to obtain valuable information. Computers could be plugged into a national network and be used like radios. For instance, people going on holiday could be informed about weather conditions. Car drivers can be given alternative routes when there are traffic jams. It will also be possible to make tiny translating machines. This will enable people who do not share a common language to talk to each other without any difficulty or to read foreign publications.
(a) What is the greatest advancement in modern technology?
(b) What complicated works are computers capable of doing?
(c) Write one, use of computers.
(d) Explain automation.
(e) Why can’t computers lead independent lives or rule the world?
(f) How would computers as translating machines help people?
(3) What was the prediction of Sir Leon about computers in the future?
(h) How can computers help people going on holiday?
2. Read the passage given below. 12
2. Napoleon Bonaparte who became Emperor of France would say that the word 'impossible' was common only amongst fools. The overconfident Napoleon invaded Russia in the winter of 1812. This proved to be a big disaster.
3. Overconfidence generally leads people into misadventures, endangering their chances in life. It is wisely said that any achievement is a result of two factors-one's personal planning and support from the external world. People, take into account only their planning, generally ignoring external factors. As a result they are unable to foresee future developments. Hence, a great risk of failure.
4. Then there is the question: how can one manage overconfidence ? The formula is very simple. Before taking a decision discuss the matter with other informed people with an objective mind and when it is proved that you are about to go off the path, accept reality and say without delay, "I was wrong".
5. Overconfidence is a flaw characterizing people who lack the virtue of modesty. Modesty makes you a realist; you become a person who is cut down to size. People of this kind become very cautious; before taking an action they assess the whole situation. They adopt a realistic approach.
6. Overconfident people live within their own thoughts. They know themselves but they are unaware of others. Living inside their own cell they are unable to make use of the experiences of others. This kind of habit is highly damaging to all concerned.
7. There is a saying that the young man sees the rule and the old man sees the exception, with a slight change, I would like to say that the overconfident person sees the rule and the confident person sees the exception. Overconfident people are always at risk. It is said that taking risk is good but it must be well calculated otherwise it becomes very dangerous.
2.1 Answer the following questions: 2x4=8
(a) Why does a person become overconfident?
(b) What does overconfidence generally lead people into?
(c) How can one manage overconfidence?
(d) What kind of person does 'modesty' make you?
2.2 Find meanings of the words given below with the help of the options that follow: 1x4=4
(a) Misadventure (Para 3)
(i) Mishap
(ii) Unlucky
(iii) Unhappy
(iv) Unpleasant
(b) Endangering (Para 3)
(i) Reckless
(ii) Imperil
(iii) Risky
(iv) Threatening
(c) Assess (Para 5)
(i) Assemble
(ii) Acquire
(iii) Evaluate
(iv) Accept
(d) Objective (Para 4)
(i) Obedient
(ii) Servile
(iii) Honest
(iv) Impartial
SECTION - B
(Writing and Grammar) 25 marks
3. Due to a busy life, we get no time to admire nature and have moved away from it. How does contact with nature help us fight stress and maintain good health. Describe it in an article in 100-120 words. You are Arun/Aruna. 5
OR
Many complaints about unfair means being used in exams have come in. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily newspaper in 100-200 words giving reasons for this trend and suggest measures to combat this. You are Arun/Aruna 12 Fort Road Kochi.
4. Write a story in 150-200 words based on the input given below: 10
They started a trek to the peak of the mountain - supposed to be a very hard journey - a five - day long trek - when they started.....
OR
He opened the factory door - peeped inside - some light - last shift over - could be thieves.....
5. Complete the following paragraph by filling in the blanks with the help of the given options: 1x3=3
Reading a novel or short story (a) _________ second language could dramatically (b) ________ physiological responses to emotions such (c) ________ smiling.
(a) (i) of (ii) in (iii) from (iv) at
(b) (i) reduce (ii) reduces (iii) reduced (iv) reducing
(c) (i) like (ii) similar to (iii) as (iv) alike
The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in each line.
Write the error and its correction as shown in the example. 1/2x8=4
Error Correction
One day a wonderful plate full in gold e.g in of
fell from Heaven into-a courtyard of (a)
a temple at Benaras; so on the (b)
plate these words were inscribe. (c)
“A gift from Heaven to he who (d)
loves better". The priests at once (e)
made a announcement that every (t)
-day at noon, all which would like (g)
to claimed the plate should come. (h)
7. Rearrange the following words and phrases into meaningful sentences. The first one has been done as an example. 1x3=3
detective / below / go / written / through the / story
Go through the detective story written below.
(a) can be / two / blamed / persons / the murder / for
(b) to the / there are / culprit / many clues / real / pointing
(c) the find / murderer / who / real / out / is
SECTION C
(Literature: Textbook and Long Reading text) 25 marks
Answering a reporter's question as to what the family was going to do next, Mr. Shultz said that they were off to stock up on some games. "It was while we were in the hospital, someone stole the lot. I don't know what happened to them."
(a) Why was Shultz in the hospital?
(a) Why was Shultz in the hospital?
(b) What happened to the games after they were stolen?
(c) What does the phrase, 'stock up' mean?
OR
I sat staring at it and presently noticed something just taking shape. It was exactly like watching one of these moving picture cartoons being put together.
(a) Who does 'it' refer to?
(b) How was 'it' taking shape?
(c) What is meant by the word, 'presently'?
9. Answer any four of the following in 30-40 words each: 2x4=8
(a) How is Decius Brutus successful in taking Caesar to the senate inspite of Calpurnia's efforts to prevent him?
(b) What does the narrator mean when he says, 'Sebastian Shultz was the game'?
(c) .Why didn't John want to partner Laura Hinkle at the Ouija Board party?
(d) Who does the 'shattered visage' in the poem, `Ozymandias', belong to and why is it 'half sunk!
(e) Why did the mariners hang the dead albatross around the Ancient Mariner's neck?
10. Answer the following in 80-100 words: 4
At the end of the day the poet, D H Lawrence writes a diary entry in 120-150 words describing his encounter with the snake and expressing his remorse for throwing a log at him. Write his diary entry.
OR
Caesar's murder is rightly avenged by Antony. Comment.11. Answer the following question in 150-200 words: 10
There were many reasons for Helen Keller's embittered childhood. What were they and how were they overcome?
OR Anne's father was close to her. What did she like about him? Why?
OR
Helen's struggle has become a source of inspiration for all less fortunate. Comment.
OR
Anne's relationship with her mother was never simple. What created the tension and discord? Why ?OR Anne's father was close to her. What did she like about him? Why?
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